Wireless HD AV packet format

ABSTRACT

An audio/video (AV) processor is coupled to a media access controller (MAC) to generate a composite packet having an optimized format for carrying audio, video, and data traffic with fields in a header of the composite packet specifying video-specific information. A physical device interface (PHY) is coupled to the MAC. The PHY encodes and decodes between a digital signal and a modulated analog signal. The PHY comprises a high rate physical layer circuit (HRP) and a low rate physical layer circuit (LRP). A radio frequency (RF) transmitter is coupled to the PHY to transmit data.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/856,104 filed Nov. 1, 2006, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/873,759 filed Dec. 8, 2006, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/901,388 filed Feb. 14, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/901,384 filed Feb. 14, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/920,338 filed Mar. 26, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/920,266 filed Mar. 26, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/920,357 filed Mar. 26, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication;more particularly, the present invention relates to a wirelesscommunication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In 1998, the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) was formed to create auniversal interface standard between computers and displays to replacethe analog VGA connection standard. The resulting standard was theDigital Visual Interface (DVI) specification, released in April 1999.There are a number of content protection schemes available. For example,HDCP and DTCP are well-known content protection schemes. HDCP wasproposed as a security component for DVI and was designed for digitalvideo monitor interfaces.

HDMI is a connection interface standard that was developed to meet theexplosive demand for high-definition audio and video. HDMI is capable ofcarrying video and audio and is backward-compatible with DVI (whichcarries only video signals). The key advantage of DVI and HDMI is thatboth of them are capable of transmitting uncompressed high-definitiondigital streams via a single cable.

HDCP is a system for protecting content being transferred over DVI andHDMI from being copied. See HDCP 1.0 for details. HDCP providesauthentication, encryption, and revocation. Specialized circuitry in theplayback device and in the display monitor encrypts video data before itis sent over. With HDCP, content is encrypted immediately before (orinside) the DVI or HDMI transmitter chip and decrypted immediately after(or inside) the DVI or HDMI receiver chip.

In addition to the encryption and decryption functions, HDCP implementsauthentication to verify that the receiving device (e.g., a display, atelevision, etc.) is licensed to receive encrypted content.Re-authentication occurs approximately every two seconds to continuouslyconfirm the security of the DVI or HDMI interface. If, at any time,re-authentication does not occur, for example by disconnecting a deviceand/or connecting an illegal recording device, the source device (e.g.,a DVD player, a set-top box, etc.) ends transmission of encryptedcontent.

While discussions of HDMI and DVI are generally focused on wiredcommunication, the use of wireless communication to transmit content hasbecome more prevalent every day. While much of the current focus is oncellular technologies and wireless networks, there has been a growinginterest in the unlicensed spectrum around 60 GHz for wireless videotransmission or very high-speed networking. More specifically, seven GHzof contiguous bandwidth has been opened for unlicensed use atmillimeter-wave frequencies around 60 GHz in the U.S. and Japan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A media access controller (MAC) generates a composite packet having anoptimized format for carrying audio, video, and data traffic. A physicaldevice interface (PHY) is coupled to the MAC. The PHY to encode anddecode between a digital signal and a modulated analog signal. The PHYcomprises a high rate physical layer circuit (HRP) and a low ratephysical layer circuit (LRP). A radio frequency (RF) transmitter iscoupled to the PHY to transmit data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given below and from the accompanying drawings of variousembodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken tolimit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanationand understanding only.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a communication system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a communication device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a packet format of a PHYmode segmentation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a packet of a PHY modesegmentation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of deep color pixelpacking.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of deep color pixelpacking.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of deep color pixelpacking.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of deep color pixelpacking.

FIG. 9 is a table of a first embodiment of a video sub-packet.

FIG. 10 is a table of a second embodiment of a video sub-packet.

FIG. 11 is a table illustrating an example of multiple-partitions.

FIG. 12 is a table illustrating an example of deep colormultiple-partitions in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a table illustrating an example of deep colormultiple-partitions in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a packet format of a PHYmode segmentation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An apparatus and method for wireless communication is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the wireless communication occurs using a wirelesstransceiver with or without an adaptive beamforming antenna. As would beapparent to one skilled in the art, the wireless communication couldoccur with a wireless receiver or transmitter.

A media access controller (MAC) generates a composite packet having anoptimized format for carrying audio, video, and data traffic. A physicaldevice interface (PHY) is coupled to the MAC. The PHY to encode anddecode between a digital signal and a modulated analog signal. The PHYcomprises a high rate physical layer circuit (HRP) and a low ratephysical layer circuit (LRP). A radio frequency (RF) transmitter iscoupled to the PHY to transmit data.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication includes an additionallink, or channel, for transmitting information between a transmitter anda receiver. The link may be uni-directional or bi-directional. In oneembodiment, the channel is used to send antenna information back from areceiver to a transmitter to enable the transmitter to adapt its antennaarray by steering the antenna elements to find a path to anotherdirection. This may be obstacle avoidance.

In one embodiment, the link is also used to transfer informationcorresponding to the content that is being transferred wirelessly (e.g.,wireless video). This information may be content protection information.For example, in one embodiment, the link is used to transfer encryptionkeys and acknowledgements of encryption keys when the transceivers aretransferring HDMI data. Thus, in one embodiment, the link transferscontrol information and content protection information.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a communication system.Referring to FIG. 1, the system comprises media receiver 100, a mediareceiver interface 102, a transmitting device 140, a receiving device141, a media player interface 113, a media player 114 and a display 115.

Media receiver 100 receives content from a source (not shown). In oneembodiment, media receiver 100 comprises a set top box. The content maycomprise baseband digital video, such as, for example, but not limitedto, content adhering to the HDMI or DVI standards. In such a case, mediareceiver 100 may include a transmitter (e.g., an HDMI transmitter) toforward the received content.

Media receiver 101 sends content 101 to transmitter device 140 via mediareceiver interface 102. In one embodiment, media receiver interface 102includes logic that converts content 101 into HDMI content. In such acase, media receiver interface 102 may comprise an HDMI plug and content101 is sent via a wired connection; however, the transfer could occurthrough a wireless connection. In another embodiment, content 101comprises DVI content.

In one embodiment, the transfer of content 101 between media receiverinterface 102 and transmitter device 140 occurs over a wired connection;however, the transfer could occur through a wireless connection.

Transmitter device 140 wirelessly transfers information to receiverdevice 141 using two wireless connections. One of the wirelessconnections is through a phased array antenna with adaptive beamforming,also referred as High Rate channel. The other wireless connection is viawireless communications channel 107, referred to herein as the Low Ratechannel. In one embodiment, the HR and LR wireless communication areenabled through a MAC, and a PHY (discussed in FIG. 2).

Receiver device 141 transfers the content received from transmitterdevice 140 to media player 114 via media player interface 113. In oneembodiment, the transfer of the content between receiver device 141 andmedia player interface 113 occurs through a wired connection; however,the transfer could occur through a wireless connection. In oneembodiment, media player interface 113 comprises an HDMI plug.Similarly, the transfer of the content between media player interface113 and media player 114 occurs through a wired connection; however, thetransfer could occur through a wireless connection.

Media player 114 causes the content to be played on display 115. In oneembodiment, the content is HDMI content and media player 114 transferthe media content to display via a wired connection; however, thetransfer could occur through a wireless connection. Display 115 maycomprise a plasma display, an LCD, a CRT, etc.

Note that the system in FIG. 1 may be altered to include a DVDplayer/recorder in place of a DVD player/recorder to receive, and playand/or record the content.

In one embodiment, transmitter 140 and media receiver interface 102 arepart of media receiver 100. Similarly, in one embodiment, receiver 140,media player interface 113, and media player 114 are all part of thesame device. In an alternative embodiment, receiver 140, media playerinterface 113, media player 114, and display 115 are all part of thedisplay. An example of such a device is shown in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, transmitter device 140 comprises a processor 103, anoptional baseband processing component 104, a phased array antenna 105,and a wireless communication channel interface 106. Phased array antenna105 comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmitter having a digitallycontrolled phased array antenna coupled to and controlled by processor103 to transmit content to receiver device 141 using adaptivebeamforming.

In one embodiment, receiver device 141 comprises a processor 112, anoptional baseband processing component 111, a phased array antenna 110,and a wireless communication channel interface 109. Phased array antenna110 comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmitter having a digitallycontrolled phased array antenna coupled to and controlled by processor112 to receive content from transmitter device 140 using adaptivebeamforming.

In one embodiment, processor 103 generates baseband signals that areprocessed by baseband signal processing 104 prior to being wirelesslytransmitted by phased array antenna 105. In such a case, receiver device141 includes baseband signal processing to convert analog signalsreceived by phased array antenna 110 into baseband signals forprocessing by processor 112. In one embodiment, the baseband signals areorthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) signals. In oneembodiment, the baseband signals are single carrier phase, amplitude, orboth phase and amplitude modulated signals.

In one embodiment, transmitter device 140 and/or receiver device 141 arepart of separate transceivers.

Transmitter device 140 and receiver device 141 perform wirelesscommunication using phased array antenna with adaptive beamforming thatallows beam steering. Beamforming is well known in the art. In oneembodiment, processor 103 sends digital control information to phasedarray antenna 105 to indicate an amount to shift one or more phaseshifters in phased array antenna 105 to steer a beam formed thereby in amanner well-known in the art. Processor 112 uses digital controlinformation as well to control phased array antenna 110. The digitalcontrol information is sent using control channel 121 in transmitterdevice 140 and control channel 122 in receiver device 141. In oneembodiment, the digital control information comprises a set ofcoefficients. In one embodiment, each of processors 103 and 112comprises a digital signal processor.

Wireless communication link interface 106 is coupled to processor 103and provides an interface between wireless communication link 107 andprocessor 103 to communicate antenna information relating to the use ofthe phased array antenna and to communicate information to facilitateplaying the content at another location. In one embodiment, theinformation transferred between transmitter device 140 and receiverdevice 141 to facilitate playing the content includes encryption keyssent from processor 103 to processor 112 of receiver device 141 and oneor more acknowledgments from processor 112 of receiver device 141 toprocessor 103 of transmitter device 140.

Wireless communication link 107 also transfers antenna informationbetween transmitter device 140 and receiver device 141. Duringinitialization of the phased array antennas 105 and 110, wirelesscommunication link 107 transfers information to enable processor 103 toselect a direction for the phased array antenna 105. In one embodiment,the information includes, but is not limited to, antenna locationinformation and performance information corresponding to the antennalocation, such as one or more pairs of data that include the position ofphased array antenna 110 and the signal strength of the channel for thatantenna position. In another embodiment, the information includes, butis not limited to, information sent by processor 112 to processor 103 toenable processor 103 to determine which portions of phased array antenna105 to use to transfer content.

When the phased array antennas 105 and 110 are operating in a modeduring which they may transfer content (e.g., HDMI content), wirelesscommunication link 107 transfers an indication of the status ofcommunication path from the processor 112 of receiver device 141. Theindication of the status of communication comprises an indication fromprocessor 112 that prompts processor 103 to steer the beam in anotherdirection (e.g., to another channel). Such prompting may occur inresponse to interference with transmission of portions of the content.The information may specify one or more alternative channels thatprocessor 103 may use.

In one embodiment, the antenna information comprises information sent byprocessor 112 to specify a location to which receiver device 141 is todirect phased array antenna 110. This may be useful duringinitialization when transmitter device 140 is telling receiver device141 where to position its antenna so that signal quality measurementscan be made to identify the best channels. The position specified may bean exact location or may be a relative location such as, for example,the next location in a predetermined location order being followed bytransmitter device 140 and receiver device 141.

In one embodiment, wireless communications link 107 transfersinformation from receiver device 141 to transmitter device 140specifying antenna characteristics of phased array antenna 110, or viceversa.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a communication device 200. Thecommunication device 200 includes data storage 202, an Audio/Video (AV)processor 204, a media access controller (MAC) 206, a physical deviceinterface (PHY) 208, and a radio module 210. Data storage 202 may storeany types of data. For example, data storage 202 may store audio andvideo data as well as other types of data. AV processor 204 receives andprocesses data from data storage 202. MAC 206 handles generating andparsing physical frames. PHY 208 handles how this data is actually movedto/from the radio module 210. Wireless HD specification supports twobasic types of PHY: high rate PHY (HRP) and low rate PHY (LRP).

In accordance with one embodiment, HRP supports multi-Gbps data rates.HRP may operate in a directional mode (typically beam-formed mode). HRPmay be used to transmit audio, video, data, and control messages. In oneembodiment, HRP occupies roughly 1.7 GHz bandwidth.

In accordance with one embodiment, LRP supports multi-Mbps data rates.LRP may operate in a directional, omni-directional, or beam-formedmodes. In one embodiment, LRP may be used to transmit control messages,beacons, and acknowledgements. In an alternative embodiment, LRP mayfurther be used to transmit audio or compressed video. In yet anotherembodiment, LRP may further be used to transmit low-speed data. In oneembodiment, LRP occupies one of three 91 MHz sub-channels within HRPchannel as discussed below.

Separation of Video Pixel Data for UEP Support

Unequal Error Protection (UEP) means using different PHY coding schemeto protect most significant bits (msb) and least significant bits (lsb)of data portion separately. Having separate msb/lsbCRCs for video pixeldata allows for msb/lsb data portions to be independently checked andused by receiver. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a composite packetformat with data regions separately encoded.

Statefull Coordinates Instead of Sequence Number

(H, V) means horizontal/vertical coordinates for each pixel in a videoframe, and it uniquely identifies any location in a particular videoframe. The main advantage of using (H, V) instead of sequence number isit allows for more robust video data re-assembly on the receiver side,and also saves the redundant descriptor field in case sequence number isused.

Sequence numbers are thus not required in the header for videosubpackets since H, V, frame number, and partition are sufficient todetermine where data should go.

FIGS. 4 and 14 illustrate an example of Video Header Optimization.Header fields for video sections are important for decoding video. Biterrors in video data can be tolerated in some cases but in other cases(i.e. H & V location) they cannot. Thus, video headers are placed in“video header” section. However audio, control, and data are moresensitive to bit errors, as the headers are, and thus since thenon-header information for these types is of similar sensitivity as theheader information, separate protection and coding for the two is notneeded and the header information can be placed with the datainformation for these types.

Video Sub-Packet Size Scaling with Different PHY Coding Rate

While allowing video sub-packets of any size at any time results in thegreatest flexibility, in one embodiment the sizes of the videosub-packets are fixed in length in bytes for the duration of a givenvideo stream. One benefit of this is to reduce encoder and/or decoderimplementation complexity. In another embodiment, the size of theduration of the video sub-packets in time is the same for the durationof a given video stream. In yet another embodiment, the number of videobytes in each sub-packet scales linearly with the data rate so thatvideo sub-packets using a first MCS that delivers a data rate that istwice as high a second data rate has twice as many video bytes in thefirst video sub-packet as in the second video sub-packet.

Video Sub-Packet Size with Clean Pixel Boundary

Each video pixel is composed of different color elements (such as Red,Green, Blue or Y, Cb, Cr). For wireless video streaming, incoming videopixel data has to be “packetized” and sent out separately. In oneembodiment, sub-packet sizes respect video pixel boundaries to avoidneeding color component offset and thus simplifying implementations. Ifthe size of the video sub-packet does not obey pixel boundary, it wouldrequire additional information to indicate how much data amount at theend of the subpacket is sent (“pixel offset”). It also createscomplexity for interoperable operation.

Video Pixel Packing for Deep Color for UEP Support

Unequal Error Protection (UEP) divides the data bytes or other transferunits into groups of bits. In one embodiment, UEP divides bytes into twogroups—most significant bits (mbs) and least significant bits (lsb).This can allow direct mapping if the transfer units are the same size asthe pixel components as in the case with UEP over byte boundaries coding24-bit-per-pixel RGB video. However, video pixel data has severaldifferent variations (16/20/24/30/36-bits per pixel) and thus suchdirect alignment is not possible. One embodiment cycles the pixelcomponent bits in the same ratio as the msb/lsb groups to pack deepcolor (>8 bits per component) pixels into UEP blocks.

One embodiment uses similar techniques to pack the pixels into twodifferent CRCs covering the lsb and msb groups. This can be used withthe UEP techniques or independently.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a first embodiment of a deep color format. Inthis embodiment, the UEP splits the data stream into 4 most significantbits (msb) and 4 least significant bits (lsb) and the 4 lsb and 4 msbare used to generate an lsb CRC and msb CRC. Bit packing is required topack non byte pixel components into byte stream. After packing, MAC andPHY see standard byte streams. Support of separate lsb/msb CRCs requiresseparate packing of upper and lower pixel component halves across upperand lower nibbles of bytes. For example, 30 bit mode packs 4 pixelgroups in 5 byte chunks as illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates 36bit mode packs 2 pixel groups into 3 byte chunks. Dividing of pixelsinto partitions occurs prior to packing each partition's pixels intobytes.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a second embodiment of a deep color format. Bitpacking is required to pack non byte pixel components into byte stream.After packing, MAC and PHY see standard byte stream. lsb/msb CRCs aredefined based on byte stream between MAC/PHY to simplify the designsignificantly—not related to specific bit locations in original pixeldata bits. For example, 30 bit mode packs 4 pixel groups in 5 bytechunks as illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates 36 bit mode packs 2pixel groups into 3 byte chunks. Dividing of pixels into partitionsoccurs prior to packing each partition's pixels into bytes.

Video Pixel Re-Ordering for Multiple Partitions

The main concept of multiple partitions is to separate adjacent pixeldata in different video sub-packets, so in case there's packet loss themissing pixels can be reconstructed. When the video format is YCbCr andmultiple partitions are in place, due to different data rate of eachcolor elements, re-ordering the color element of each pixel data willachieve optimal reconstruction on the receiver side.

FIG. 9 illustrates a first embodiment of a first pixel partition. Firstbit in the sub-packet is always Y, bit 0 from pixel 0. Each colorelement switch on one byte boundary. Cb and Cr alternate in order (Y0,Cb0, Y1, Cr0, Y2, Cr2, Y3, Cb2, . . . ). The ordering is from horizontalpixel 0 and independent of row. This is needed for proper operation with2×2 partition mode.

Data packing for deep color; for example 20 bits/pixel, it will be Y0[0. . . 3, 5 . . . 8], Cb0[0 . . . 3, 5 . . . 8], Y0[4], Y1[0 . . . 2],Y0[9], Y1[5 . . . 7], Cr0[0 . . . 3, 5 . . . 8], . . . , etc.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second embodiment of a first pixel partition.First bit in the sub-packet is always Y, bit 0 from pixel 0. Each colorelement switch on one byte boundary. Cb and Cr alternate in order (Y0,Cb0, Y1, Cr0, Y2, Cr2, Y3, Cb2, . . . ). The ordering is from horizontalpixel 0 and independent of row. This is critical for proper operationwith 2×2 partition mode.

Data packing for deep color; for example 20 bits/pixel, it will be Y0[0. . . 9], Cb0[0 . . . 9], Y1 [0.9], Cr0[0 . . . 9], Y2[0 . . . 9], Cr2[0. . . 9], Y3[0 . . . 9], Cb2[0 . . . 9], . . . , etc.

FIG. 11 illustrates YCbCr 4:2:2, 4 partitions. For example, YCbCr,4:2:2, 16 bits/pixel.

FIG. 12 illustrates YCbCr 4:2:2, 4 partitions, Deep Color mode inaccordance with a first embodiment. Pack pixels in the same partitiongroup. For example, YCbCr, 4:2:2, 20 bits/pixel (each bracket representone byte). Partition 0 may include {Y0} {Cb0} {Y0/Y2} {Cb0/Cr2} {Y2/Y4}{Cr2/Cr4} {Y4/Y6} {Cr4/Cb6} {Y6}. Partition 1 may include {Y1} {Cr0}{Y1/Y3} {Cr0/Cb2} {Y3/Y5} {Cb2/Cb4} {Y5/Y7} {Cb4/Cr6} {Y7}. This schemebalances Cb and Cr pixels across each partition. FIG. 13 illustratesYCbCr 4:2:2, 4 partitions, Deep Color mode in accordance with a secondembodiment. Pack pixels in the same partition group. For example, YCbCr,4:2:2, 20 bits/pixel (each bracket represent one pixel—10 bits).Partition 0 may include {Y0} {Cb0} {Y2} {Cr2} {Y4} {Cr4} {Y6} {Cb6} {Y8}{Cb8} {Y10} {Cr10}. Partition 1 may include {Y1} {Cr0} {Y3} {Cb2} {Y5}{Cb4} {Y7} {Cr6} {Y9} {Cr8} {Y11} {Cb10}. This scheme balances Cb and Crpixels across each partition.

Playback Timestamp

Synchronization between audio and video can be achieved by controllingwhen the audio and video streams play out. This additionally can be usedfor buffer and link management. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a “playbacktimestamp” can be used to specify when a particular sample or section ofaudio or video is played back. In one embodiment, the four videosub-packet headers could each include a “playback timestamp” to indicatewhen they should be played back. However, timestamps can take many bits(30 in one embodiment) which can be scarce in headers. Thus in anotherembodiment, only one playback timestamp is specified in the video headerand two additional “playback select” bits indicate which of the fourvideo sub-packets the playback timestamp applies to. Thus the playbacktimestamp for any of the four video sub-packets can be communicated.Since the playback timestamp only needs to be communicated once pervideo frame, this is typically sufficient.

In the description, numerous details are set forth to provide a morethorough explanation of the present invention. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than indetail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented interms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on databits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desiredresult. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physicalquantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take theform of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion,it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizingterms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or“determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical(electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers andmemories into other data similarly represented as physical quantitieswithin the computer system memories or registers or other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for therequired purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored inthe computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computerreadable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type ofdisk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, andmagnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random accessmemories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any typeof media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupledto a computer system bus.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structurefor a variety of these systems will appear from the description below.In addition, the present invention is not described with reference toany particular programming language. It will be appreciated that avariety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachingsof the invention as described herein.

A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing ortransmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes read onlymemory (“ROM”); random access memory (“RAM”); magnetic disk storagemedia; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical,acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves,infrared signals, digital signals, etc.); etc.

Whereas many alterations and modifications of the present invention willno doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art afterhaving read the foregoing description, it is to be understood that anyparticular embodiment shown and described by way of illustration is inno way intended to be considered limiting. Therefore, references todetails of various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope ofthe claims which in themselves recite only those features regarded asessential to the invention.

1. An apparatus comprising: an audio/video (AV) processor; a mediaaccess controller (MAC) coupled to the AV processor for generating acomposite packet having a format configured to carry audio, video, anddata traffic with fields in a header of the composite packet specifyingvideo-specific information; a physical device interface (PHY) coupled tothe MAC, the PHY to encode and decode between a digital signal and amodulated analog signal, the PHY comprising a high rate physical layercircuit (HRP) and a low rate physical layer circuit (LRP); and a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter coupled to the PHY to transmit data.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein the composite packet comprises sub-packetssharing a common MAC and PHY header.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 whereina msb and lsb data portion of the composite packet is transmitted usingdifferent Modulation Coding Scheme (MSC).
 4. The apparatus of claim 1wherein a msb and lsb data portion of the composite packet is protectedusing an msb and lsb CRC.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thecomposite packet comprises horizontal and vertical coordinates in avideo sub-packet header of the composite packet to uniquely identify anylocation in a particular video frame.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1wherein a size of the video sub-packets of the composite packet isscaled with different PHY coding rates.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1wherein a size of the video sub-packets of the composite packet aredetermined when for the duration of the video stream
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the video sub-packets of the composite packet includeclean pixel boundaries.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the deepcolor video sub-packets of the composite packet support UEP.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the MAC reorders a color element for eachpixel data in multiple partitions for improved reconstruction.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one video playback time isincluded in the video header portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11wherein only one playback time field is included for a plurality ofvideo sub-packets and a playback select is specified to indicate whichof the video sub-packets the playback time describes.
 13. A methodcomprising: generating a composite packet with a wireless HD AV formatconfigured to carry audio, video, and data traffic, with fields in aheader of the composite packet specifying video-specific information,wherein a msb and lsb video portion of the composite packet transmittedis protected by an msb and lsb CRC.
 14. The method of claim 13 whereinthe composite packet comprises sub-packets sharing a common MAC and PHYheader.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the composite packetcomprises horizontal and vertical coordinates in a video sub-packetheader of the composite packet to uniquely identify any location in aparticular video frame.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein a size of thevideo sub-packets of the composite packet is scaled with different PHYcoding rate.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the video sub-packets ofthe composite packet include clean pixel boundaries.
 18. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the deep color video sub-packets of the compositepacket support UEP.
 19. The method of claim 13 further comprising:reordering a color element for each pixel data in multiple partitionsfor improved reconstruction.
 20. The method of claim 13 wherein at leastone video playback time is included in the video header portion.